A degree of torque steer to the right may be experienced during the use of heavy throttle on some front wheel drive cars with drive axles of unequal length. This torque steer to the right results from the right drive axle being longer than the left drive axle, which creates a difference in the drive axle angle. Cars with intermediate shaft assemblies have axles of almost equal length.
A difference in the drive axle lengths results in more torque toe-in in the left front wheel. When the vehicle accelerates from a standing start or at lower speeds, the torque toe-in will be noticed.
Inspection Procedure
- Place a small piece of tape at the top center of the steering wheel.
- Note the inches of steering wheel deflection required to keep the vehicle straight during heavy acceleration.
- Compare this finding with similar cars.
Factors that may cause torque steer to be more apparent on a particular vehicle include the following:
| • | Variations in the tire and the wheel assemblies. This has the most significant effect on torque steer. A slightly smaller diameter on the right front tire will increase a right torque lead. |
| • | Large differences in the right and the left front tire pressure. |
| • | Looseness in the control arm bushings, the tie rod assemblies, or the steering gear mounting. This looseness permits a front wheel to pull forward and toe-in under a torque greater than the wheel on the opposite side. A loose suspension component may result in an opposite lead upon deceleration. |
| • | A high front trim height. This height would increase the drive axle angle and could cause wobble at speeds between 24-48 km/h (15-30 mph). |
| • | Binding or a tight drive axle joint. A tight drive axle joint or a high front trim may also cause a wobble at speeds between 24-48 km/h (15-30 mph). |
| • | Incorrect, worn, or loose engine mounts causing adverse drive angles. |
Refer to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis for actions to remedy these problems.
Conditions that may produce an effect similar to torque steer include the following:
| • | Incorrect front or rear alignment |
| • | Frame misalignment or defect |
| • | Front suspension damage |
| • | Incorrectly mounted rear crossmember |
